Humber Bridge toll rise set for public inquiry

The DfT has called a public inquiry to consider proposed increases in Humber Bridge tolls following the large number of complaints received during a public consultation. No date has been set for the inquiry. The Humber Bridge Board had hoped to increase prices for trucks by £1.60 to £19.90, while cars would have to pay just 20p more.

Andrew Tucker, director at local haulier AS Haulage (Hull), thinks the public inquiry is a good idea and will allow all views to be taken into consideration. "Once again [hauliers] end up paying the majority of the costs for such a little journey. It is part of the national road network and we should not have to pay to use it."

But bridgemaster Peter Hill says: "As a non-profit-making organisation, with no income other than toll collection, the Humber Bridge Board has based its future maintenance proposals and its obligations in repaying the cost of construction, on maintaining an income from tolls that is consistent with inflationary pressures."

He adds the board recognises the Secretary of State for Transport is obliged to ensure that any substantive objections to the increase are given due consideration.